Brentwood reads ordinance to restrict use of town seal; fines, enforcement outlined

Town Administrator Shelley Dorsey read Ordinance 2025-17 on Dec. 2, formally proposing rules and penalties for use of the town seal and logo.

The ordinance, read aloud during a public hearing of the Town of Brentwood Mayor and Town Council, defines the town seal and logo, reserves ownership and permits use by town officials, employees and contractors for official purposes, and prohibits commercial or political uses that imply town endorsement without prior written approval. "The town seal and logo may not be used for commercial purposes without prior written approval," the ordinance states.

Dorsey outlined an application process for nonofficial uses that requires a written request at least 15 days before intended use, to be considered by the town administrator or town clerk and brought before the council in open meeting. The proposal makes enforcement possible "by cease and desist order, civil fines up to $500 per violation," and lists other remedies, including recovery of attorney fees and potential referral to the Maryland State Ethics Commission; the ordinance text also references misdemeanor exposure in certain circumstances.

The ordinance specifies it would take effect 30 days after adoption and requires that a fair summary be published in a newspaper of general circulation or otherwise made available to the public. Council members did not vote on the ordinance during the hearing; the reading completed and the council moved on to other business and public-comment items.

The hearing included opportunities for residents to comment and instructions to submit written comments to the town clerk if they could not join the Zoom meeting.

Next steps: The ordinance was read for the record; formal consideration and any vote would occur at a future council meeting when the council takes action on the proposed text.